What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Orlando
As the heat and humidity rise in Orlando, so do summer energy bills. For many residents, keeping cool comes at a steep cost. The average monthly electric bill in Orlando during June, July, and August hovers around $170, according to local utility data. The average July electric bill in Orlando is about $185, the highest of the year.
These figures represent a significant jump from the milder spring and fall seasons. While an Orlando household might pay $110 for electricity in a typical April, that same home will likely see bills 50-60% higher during the peak of summer. For some families, monthly energy costs can approach $300 during a particularly sweltering July or August.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Orlando During the Summer?
The main culprit behind high summer electric bills in Orlando is the near-constant demand for air conditioning. With daily highs regularly topping 90°F and stifling humidity, most homes run their A/C around the clock just to maintain a livable indoor temperature. Older or poorly-insulated houses have to work even harder to stay cool.
Beyond A/C, other factors contribute to elevated summer energy use. Longer daylight hours mean more time using lights and appliances. Irrigation systems and pool pumps have to run more often. And as electric vehicles become more common in Orlando, home charging adds another source of increased summer consumption.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To understand where your money goes, here’s how the typical summer electric bill breaks down for an 1,800 sq ft Orlando home with average A/C use:
| Component | Percent of Bill |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 55% |
| Water Heating | 15% |
| Appliances | 12% |
| Lighting | 10% |
| Other | 8% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Orlando. Air conditioning is by far the biggest piece of the summer utility budget pie.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock is inevitable in Orlando’s climate, there are ways to keep costs under control:
- Sign up for off-peak billing and run major appliances at night
- Install a smart thermostat to optimize your A/C schedule
- Have your ducts inspected and sealed to improve efficiency
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block direct sun
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler. Every degree above 78°F saves 3-5% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Orlando
Some Orlando utility providers, like OUC, offer optional Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans. Under TOU billing, you pay different prices for electricity depending on when you use it. Rates are highest during weekday afternoons and early evenings. Overnight and weekend use is billed at a discount.
If your household can shift energy-intensive activities like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak hours, a TOU plan can help shave your summer bills. Compare your utility’s TOU and standard rate options to see which makes sense for your home.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring in Orlando?
A: Summer bills are typically 50-60% higher than in April or May. The average August bill is around $170, versus $110 in spring months.
Q: Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, a solar PV system can significantly offset summer bills. Your panels will produce the most electricity during the long, sunny days when you need it most for cooling. Many Orlando homes can cut summer bills by 30-50% with solar.
Q: What temperature should I keep my house at in the summer to save energy?
A: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake. When you’re away or asleep, let it rise to 82-85°F. Using ceiling fans allows you to raise the thermostat 4° with no loss in comfort.
Smart Cooling Prep for Orlando Summers
With the average Orlando home facing $170-$300 monthly electric bills from June through August, summer cooling costs are a major expense. But by understanding your usage, adopting smart utility plan options, and making efficiency upgrades, you can keep your budget in check while still beating the heat.
As you acclimate to Orlando’s tropical summer climate, remember that a little preparation goes a long way. Schedule your A/C maintenance, plant those shade trees, and get ready to chill – without breaking the bank.
What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Orlando
As the heat and humidity rise in Orlando, so do summer energy bills. For many residents, keeping cool comes at a steep cost. The average monthly electric bill in Orlando during June, July, and August hovers around $170, according to local utility data. The average July electric bill in Orlando is about $185, the highest of the year.
These figures represent a significant jump from the milder spring and fall seasons. While an Orlando household might pay $110 for electricity in a typical April, that same home will likely see bills 50-60% higher during the peak of summer. For some families, monthly energy costs can approach $300 during a particularly sweltering July or August.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Orlando During the Summer?
The main culprit behind high summer electric bills in Orlando is the near-constant demand for air conditioning. With daily highs regularly topping 90°F and stifling humidity, most homes run their A/C around the clock just to maintain a livable indoor temperature. Older or poorly-insulated houses have to work even harder to stay cool.
Beyond A/C, other factors contribute to elevated summer energy use. Longer daylight hours mean more time using lights and appliances. Irrigation systems and pool pumps have to run more often. And as electric vehicles become more common in Orlando, home charging adds another source of increased summer consumption.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To understand where your money goes, here’s how the typical summer electric bill breaks down for an 1,800 sq ft Orlando home with average A/C use:
| Component | Percent of Bill |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 55% |
| Water Heating | 15% |
| Appliances | 12% |
| Lighting | 10% |
| Other | 8% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Orlando. Air conditioning is by far the biggest piece of the summer utility budget pie.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock is inevitable in Orlando’s climate, there are ways to keep costs under control:
- Sign up for off-peak billing and run major appliances at night
- Install a smart thermostat to optimize your A/C schedule
- Have your ducts inspected and sealed to improve efficiency
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block direct sun
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler. Every degree above 78°F saves 3-5% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Orlando
Some Orlando utility providers, like OUC, offer optional Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans. Under TOU billing, you pay different prices for electricity depending on when you use it. Rates are highest during weekday afternoons and early evenings. Overnight and weekend use is billed at a discount.
If your household can shift energy-intensive activities like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak hours, a TOU plan can help shave your summer bills. Compare your utility’s TOU and standard rate options to see which makes sense for your home.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring in Orlando?
A: Summer bills are typically 50-60% higher than in April or May. The average August bill is around $170, versus $110 in spring months.
Q: Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, a solar PV system can significantly offset summer bills. Your panels will produce the most electricity during the long, sunny days when you need it most for cooling. Many Orlando homes can cut summer bills by 30-50% with solar.
Q: What temperature should I keep my house at in the summer to save energy?
A: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake. When you’re away or asleep, let it rise to 82-85°F. Using ceiling fans allows you to raise the thermostat 4° with no loss in comfort.
Smart Cooling Prep for Orlando Summers
With the average Orlando home facing $170-$300 monthly electric bills from June through August, summer cooling costs are a major expense. But by understanding your usage, adopting smart utility plan options, and making efficiency upgrades, you can keep your budget in check while still beating the heat.
As you acclimate to Orlando’s tropical summer climate, remember that a little preparation goes a long way. Schedule your A/C maintenance, plant those shade trees, and get ready to chill – without breaking the bank.